Ivan Boras

Ivan Boras of Coaldale passed away peacefully on January 6, 2020 surrounded by loving family at Lindenview Lodge in Taber.

Ivan, beloved husband of the late Doris Boras, was born on August 18, 1922 in the village of Vitina, Hercegovina, Croatia to Peter and Katherine Boras. His father left to start a new life in Canada in 1928 and the family stayed behind until he could send for them. In the meantime, Ivan learned how to care for their orchards, fields, and animals. It would be 5 years before Peter was able to purchase the tickets for them to leave for Canada. Ivan, his mother, and 2 younger brothers (Walter and Michael) arrived in Stirling in 1933, during the Great Depression, in time to work the sugar beet fields. His father rented land and by 1938 had expanded their cattle herd, enabling him to purchase a farm in Iron Springs.  A sister, Anne, was born to the family.  The farm grew with the addition of another quarter section.

In time, Ivan met the love of his life, Doris Ann Stupar Marosevich and they were married in Taber on February 15, 1944. In 1947 Philip was born and Linda followed in 1950.  In 1952, Ivan and Doris made the decision to purchase a farm south of Coaldale. Ivan would call that farm home for the rest of his life. In 1953 Deanna was born, in 1956 Richard and in 1958 Leonard.

Ivan became involved in the formation of RCSSD #73 and the building of St. Joseph’s School in Coaldale. He subsequently served 12 years as a school trustee. He also spent time landscaping the grounds of the new St. Ambrose Church with his tractor and land leveller. In 1966, Ivan purchased another quarter section; and in 1977 a third quarter was purchased with his sons and they started to diversify the farming operation by adding a feedlot operation. Ivan remained active in the farm’s operation until his late ‘80s. His last 4 years were spent in GSS Lindenview in Taber.

Ivan was a “good man”, a kind and gentle husband and father with a wonderful sense of humour and a strong sense of integrity and honesty.  He was always willing to help others.  Ivan was a grateful man who cherished his family, his farm, and his way of life. He had a special bond with animals and had many a faithful dog and cat to keep him company as he made his rounds through the farmstead. When his grandchildren arrived, he spent many hours with them and loved them dearly. 

Dad, we will miss you and your incredible, twinkling blue eyes.  You will be forever loved and remembered.

Ivan is survived by his children: PHILIP (Lois), LINDA, DEANNA (Quenton), RICHARD (Valerie), LEONARD (Suzanne); his grandchildren: ERIN, CHERYL (Matthew), JESSICA (Trevor), ERIC, TYLER (Kelsey), TIM (Natalie), TIANNA (Jordan), ETHAN and DARA-LYNN; and his great-grandchildren:  Conner, Brandon, Austin, and Kaiya.  He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Helen Boras and Anne Boras and many nieces and nephews.

Ivan was predeceased by his wife Doris in 1996; parents Peter and Katherine; brothers Walter V. Boras, Michael M. Boras, George Boras (in infancy), and his sister Anne (Earl) Gibbons.

The family will be holding a private service.  Ivan will be laid to rest with Doris at Mountain View Cemetery.

Click here to view a recording of the funeral service.

Flowers are gratefully declined.  For those who wish, memorial donations may be made in Ivan’s memory, to a charity of your choice.

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